A serious accident occurred when a diesel tanker hit the bus carrying Indian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar showed profound shock upon hearing the incident. The minister mentioned that the accident took place near Medina and involved Indian citizens. On X-Vedi, he identified that the Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah were extending full assistance to the families of those affected. He extended his condolences to the bereaved families who lost their loved ones and wished that the injured get well soon.
The pilgrims were on their way to Medina after visiting Mecca. At 1:30 in the morning on Monday according to Indian time, the accident occurred. The bus turned into a burning inferno after colliding with the diesel tanker as flames spread across the vehicle. Most passengers were sleeping during the time the fire broke out, which increased the number of deaths. Media reports said 42 died, including 20 women and 11 children. Most of the victims came from Hyderabad.
